Christmas with the Parker’s at Seattle’s China Gate Restaurant

by Pam Koons

In the closing scene of the movie, A Christmas Story, Ralphie’s family reluctantly decides to eat Christmas dinner out at a Chinese food restaurant. While this may sound unusual, more and more Seattle families are making the same choice as the Parker family. Whether it’s glazed Peking duck or turkey pot stickers, preschoolers can always find something good for Christmas at their local Chinese restaurant!

China Gate restaurant, in Seattle’s International District, has long time been a Seattle favorite Chinese restaurant for preschoolers and their families at Christmas time. China Gate’s very friendly owner, Sonny Wong, is always around to see that everyone has a great time- especially for Christmas dinner! 

by Pam Koons

What Your Preschooler will Like about China Gate

China Gate doesn’t have a whole lot of atmosphere, but it does have a whole lot of noise! This means that preschoolers, still excited from Christmas morning, will have no problem blending right in!

It is a Christmas tradition for China Gate restaurant to bring in a Chinese Lion Dance Troupe to perform and welcome in the New Year. Call one week ahead to find out more information.

Your preschooler will enjoy seeing the live seafood tanks right up front. This lively Chinese restaurant specializes in lobster, crab and shrimp. Your Chinese food will be served very fresh, but does it come from these seafood tanks? Ask Mr. Sonny!

What Parents will Like about China Gate

China Gate’s food is traditional old-world Hong Kong style cuisine, including all day/night Dim Sum. Try their BBQ pork buns and the fried shrimp balls- both of which to die for!

China Gate has a huge and varied menu. At last count, there were over 200 items! Private rooms for holiday parties are available, but must be reserved way ahead of time- espeically for Christmas dinner!

What Parents Should Know about China Gate

China Gate was rated in the Top 10 Best Chinese Restaurants by the Seattle Times.

Christmas Day will be very busy and there may be longer waiting times for food. Did your preschooler receive any new books for Christmas? Bring a favorite new book to read while waiting! Reservations are highly recommended for Christmas dinner.

General Information about China Gate

China Gate (map)
516 7th Ave S, Seattle
(206) 624-1730
Free off-street parking

A Christmas Story Trivia Question

Q. What song were the men singing incorrectly in the Chinese restaurant where the Parker's had Christmas dinner?

Submit your answer for a chance to win our A Christmas Story Holiday Giveaway Bonanza